"Why" - Annie Lennox

It's the question I've been asked the most in the last 9 days . . . . .

w h y ?

Why would you run for 24 hours on a treadmill?

[after my first initial thought......why. freaking. not?]

My true reply is:

I
do
because
I
can.

I'm doing it because [I KNOW] I can - and since I can, I am going to do this to raise money for Sojourner Center. 

From the moment I first visited it was a . . .

Life. changing. experience.

That's the response I gave yesterday when my intentions for this run were challenged.  I do most of my volunteer work with them behind the scenes. I like it that way.  But I felt it was time for something bigger. 

I've toyed with  the idea of this run for about a year.

I did not wake up one morning and decide to lace up my sneaks and pretend I could be like Dean.

But.  now.  I.  feel.  ready. [And my body will follow suit by May 7th] ;)

It's what I can offer today.  It's what I can do to raise awareness.

So I'm freaking doing it.

The marathon runner/endurance athlete eats, breathes, sweats and dreams about his goal - the ultimate finish line - dedicating himself to years of rigorous training in a quest to stand atop the podium, win an age group placement or the sheer joy of crossing the finish line.

It is passion, patience and sheer ambition that leads the endurance athlete through the challenges and obstacles on the path to victory.

I have my own finish line.  Maybe not one that others will ever understand.  And it may never include any significant medals that were won. 

And
That's
Totally
Okay.

My list of goals may be short one, but it's important all the same. I've spent years working toward my own aspirations, fully aware that most good things don't just happen to people, they evolve after a long term commitment to hard work.

Some may question my goals. . . .  Surely, there are other more important goals I could currently be working on. 

My replies: 

I am

and

to each their own.
My dedication to my family, my career and local volunteer efforts are all a part of my [mostly, very personal] plan to become a better person. I have filled my life with worthwhile interests and I firmly believe they will lead me to personal growth, a sense of fulfillment and compassion for others.
Every day I strive to live with passion [I may need to work on a little less passion or maybe the right word is "emotion"] but I do not want life to pass me by as I go through the motions.

So.  my.  friends.  this.  is.  why.

Emz

* To those of you who have asked about donating . . . . a big freaking huge, "thank you".  I hope to have the location [of the run] picked by early March as well as the link I will be using to accept donations.

Thank you.
Thank you.
T h a n k   y o u !